Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although it doesn’t appear to be much time, I’ve gathered various insights throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis, celebrated for its varied housing choices and dynamic communities. Students have a wide array of options available, spanning from student residences to private lodgings, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange to view apartments, while international students may research potential housing online via platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom, assessing amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for suitable accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplify movement and travel across different zones. To cut down on travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending to areas outside central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The city’s main attractions contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which significantly decreased our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations in order to meet individuals from various backgrounds and of similar age groups, a combination that is more difficult to find in private residences.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, providing a vivid mosaic of diverse localities. Many international students search for connections to their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, has a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, at the core of London’s West End, is a vibrant area teeming with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and abundance of accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.